The Hoophouse is Open for Business!

What a feeling of excitement! The hoophouse is open for the season! The first thing I noticed was a thin film of moss growing on some of the beds.  We had above average temperatures for the first two weeks of April and the hoophouse was a good breeding ground. First I removed the black hose and rearranged the supplies so that I could begin working on the front right bed. All three beds are 2.5' x 11.5'.

Before I began lightly tilling the soil, I rescued one volunteer Buttercrunch lettuce seedling and placed it in a small pot for now. Two white pails, one for compostible items and the other for trash, were set up near the door as permanent fixtures.

I was happy to find some worms in this bed, just barely visible in the photo below.

I also began my outdoor sowing with three window boxes of cut and come again lettuce: Mesclun, Select Salad Blend and Bronze Mignonette.

I finally transplanted many seedlings into individual containers.  This chore has been hanging over my head for days because the seedlings have looked crowded and stressed in their containers.

Sweet Alyssum, Royal Carpet  58
Sweet Alyssum, Carpet of Snow  34
African Daisies  61
Basil  44
Blanket Flowers 34

Fruit Trees

I noticed today that all of the dwarf fruit trees have buds.

The varieties at the bottom of the hill from left to right include: Cortland Apple (Harvey's Farm, 2010, $45); French Prune Plum (Windy Lo, 2010, $54); Anjou Pear (Windy Lo, 2010, $45); Elberta Peach (Windy Lo, 2010, $54); and Italian Prune Plum (Harvey's Farm, 2010, $29).

The varieties near the house at the top of the hill include:  Reliance Peach (Harvey's Farm, 2011, $60); McIntosh Apple (Harvey's Farm, 2011, $60); and Macoun Apple (Harvey's Farm, 2011, $60).

Five fruit trees have died over the past three years.  In 2014, we lost the Apricot and the Stella Cherry trees. In the year prior, we lost the Macoun Apple tree and in 2012 we lost a Black Tartarian Cherry and Bartlett Pear.

Fast Germination

The following containers have seeds which germinated:

Dwarf Blue Vates Kale (Sowed March 31, 3 days)
Lacinato Kale( Sowed March 31, 3 days)
Red Russian Kale (Sowed March 31, 3 days)
Arugula, Roquette (Sowed March 31, 3 days)
Brussel Sprouts (Sowed March 31, 3 days)
African Daisy (Sowed April 1, 2 days)
Golden Acre Cabbge (Sowed March 31, 3 days)
Cauliflower (Sowed March 31, 3 days)
Dahlia, Unwin's Dwarf (Sowed April 1, 2 days)
Swiss Chard Rainbow (Sowed March 31, 3 days)

Another Herb

I started Italian Large Leaf Basil (2) - potted in the "Max and Luke" five-inch clay pots.

More Lettuce, Peppers and Flowers

It's time to plant more lettuce.  I have always had the best intention of implementing succession planting of lettuce, but inevitably would never follow through.  This year I hope to be more diligent.

The photo below shows what lettuce seedlings look like at three weeks old.  These seedlings will be transplanted into the hoophouse in two to three weeks.  The lettuce sowed today will be planted out in a raised bed in five or six weeks.

Out of the six varieties planted three weeks ago (Little Gem, Baby Romaine, Red Romaine, Buttercrunch, Black Seeded Simpson and Prizehead), there are only two which look limp and less sturdy, Black Seeded Simpson and Prizehead.  I will likely not grow more of these varieties unless they perk up once transplanted. I will also direct seed lettuce into the outdoor raised beds.

Lettuce 20 days old

The lettuce seeds sown today in 6-packs include:

Baby Romaine (1) - Livingston Seeds, 2014.
Buttercrunch (1) - Livingston Seeds, 2014.
Little Gem (1) - Ray You Tube, 2015.
Red Romaine (1) - Livingston Seeds, 2014.
Red Sails (1) - Botanical Interests, ~2013.

I also decided to sow more arugula. The first sowing of arugula will go into the hoophouse raised beds but I want more arugula for the outdoor raised beds. I will also direct seed arugula into outdoor raised beds.

Arugula (Roquette): Livingston Seeds, 2014. Planted one 6-pack, 1/4" deep.

Sweet and Hot Peppers

I planted 23 different varieties of peppers in 16 oz cups for a total of 70 plants:

1. 2 Anaheim Chili - Ferry-Morse, 2013.
2. 4 California Wonder Green - American Seed, 2013.
3. 5 California Wonder Orange - Botanical Interests, 2012.
4. 5 Canary Bell - Botanical Interests, ~2012.
5. 2 Cayenne - Ferry-Morse, 2013.
6. 4 Early Jalapeno -  Botanical Interests, 2012.
7. 11 Jalapeno - Harvested, 2014.
8. 2 Jimmy Nardello - Baker Creek, 2013.
9. 4 Leutschauer Paprika - Baker Creek, 2015.
10. 2 Lipstick - Love Your Land, 2015.
11. 2 Mini Orange Bell - Harvested, 2014.  Peppers originally purchased from Wegman's.
12. 2 Mini Red Bell - Harvested, 2014.  Peppers originally purchased from Wegman's.
13. 2 Mini Red Cherry - Harvested, 2014.  Peppers originally purchased from Wegman's.
14. 2 Mini Yellow Bell - Harvested, 2014.  Peppers originally purchased from Wegman's.
15. 1 New Mexican Red Chili - John Weatherford, 2013.
16. 4 Poblano - Botanical Interests, 2012.
17. 2 Purple Bell - Livingston Seed, 2013.
18. 6 Red Mercury - Livingston Seed, 2013.
19. 2 Serrano Chilis-  Walmart, 2008.
20. 2 Shishito - Internet Swap, 2014.
21. 4 Sweet Ruby Hybrid - Burpee, 2012.
22. 2 Thai Hot - Botanical Interests, 2012.

 Today I sowed the following flower seeds: 

African Daisy (Dimorphotheca aurantiaca): Livingston Seed, 2014. Planted one 4"x8" container 1/16" deep. Expected germination time 10-20 days.  Characteristics: hardy annual, thin to 6-8" apart, full sun, 12-18" tall, blooms spring to fall, spreading, daisy-like flowers, shades of white, yellow and orange. 

Blanket Flower (Burgundy, Gaillardia aristata): Livingston Seed, 2014. Planted one 4"x8" container 1/8" deep.  Expected germination time, 14-21 days.  Characteristics: perennial, sun, 24-30" tall, blooms summer to fall, deep wine-red blooms, heat, drought and poor soil tolerant, deadhet often, deer resistant. 

Columbine (McKana's Giant Mix, Aquilegia):  Livingston Seeds, 2014.  Planted one 4"x8" container 1/8" deep.  Expected germination time, 5-10 days.  Characteristics: perennial, sun to light shade, 24-36" tall, blooms spring, two-tone flowers comined with spurs, shades of purple, pink, blue and maroon.

Dahlia (Unwin's Dwarf, Mixed Colors): Ferry-Morse, 2015.  Planted one 4"x8" container 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 5-10 days.  Days to maturity, 49-77.  Characteristics: annual, spacing 16", 18" tall. 

Hollyhocks (Peaches 'N Dreams, Alcea rosea): Livingston Seeds, 2014.  Planted one 4"x8" container 1/4" deep.  Expected germination time, 7-14 days.  Characteristics: perennial, sun, 5-6' tall, thin to 12", tall stalks, soft peach blossoms tonged with rose, intricate flowers, soft and delicate petals, plants reseed, may need staking if windy. 

Postscript #1 - The two containers of petunias mixed colors sowed on March 17 have poor germination, one seedling per container.  I consolidated the two seedlings in one container and will reuse the other container for different flower seeds. 

Two lonely Petunias, Mixed Colors

Weekend Odds 'n Ends #2

The "chitting" is coming along!

Five sweet potato slips growing good roots.

Following is a list of the chores completed this morning:

1. Watered as needed. 
2. Fertilized as needed. 
3. Thinned Independence Day tomatoes and added soil to top of containers. 
4. Thinned broccoli, kale, arugula and all six varieties of lettuce to one each container or cell. 
5. Transplanted three celery. 

Postscript #1 - Germination from the portulaca (sowed March 16, 6 days) and alyssum, Carpet of Snow and Royal Carpet (sowed March 20, 2 days).  The purple alyssum was about a half day behind on germination. 

Taxes Versus Gardening

Yes, I am NOT allowed to do any gardening chores until I finish taxes!!!  I've been singing that chant all week, but to no avail.  But today I am SERIOUS, no gardening until taxes are DONE. It is now 8:00 am; let's see how long it takes!!

UPDATE AT 12:00 PM 

I am happy to report that my daughter's taxes are finished.  I decided to do our own taxes tomorrow (I know, I did bend the rules a bit).  I'm off to inspect, water and thin my seedlings.

Postscript #1 - Winterbor and Blue Vates Kale have germinated (sowed March 11, 4 days).
Postscript #2 - Little Gem and Prizehead lettuce have germinated, a day later than the other four lettuce varieties (sowed March 11, 4 days).

62 Days Before Last Frost

It's March 14!!  Here in Zone 6a that means 62 days before the last frost date of May 15, give or take five days.  Today I want to plant a second round of celery and four different varieties of flower seeds that should be sowed 9 weeks (63 days) before the last frost date.

Ageratum (Dondo Blue): Fedco, 2015.  Seeds sown in a 7" round container, on surface, pressed in. Expected germination time: 5-10 days.  Days to maturity, 40 from transplanting.
See: http://www.fedcoseeds.com/seeds/search?item=4811&listname=Flowers&cookies=no

Columbine (Tequila Sunrise, Aquilegia skinneri): Livingston Seeds, 2014.  Pelletized seeds (50) sown in a 7" round container, 1/8" deep.  Expected germination time, 5-10 days. Characteristics: perennial, sun or shade, spacing 8-10", 2-3' tall, longer flowering and more heat tolerant than other columbines, unique and attractive color combination, tall and stately, flowers first year, deadhead to promote blooming.

Hollyhocks (Nigra, Alcea rosea nigra): Livingston Seeds, 2014.  Primed seeds (75) planted into 7" round container, 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 7-10 days.  Characteristics: perennial, sun, 4-6', deep maroon, nearly black blooms, backdrop for wall or in front of a wall.

Rock Soapwort: Ferry Morse, 2015.  Seeds sown in a 7" round container, 1/8" deep.  Expected germination time, 14-16 days. Days to bloom, 365+. Characteristics: perennial, spacing 9-12", 4-9" tall, groundcover with pink flowers.

Celery (Tall Utah 52/70 Improved): Botanical Interests, 2013.  Planted an additional six 2" pots.  Original sowing on February 14 has only yielded six seedlings after 28 days.  Hoping to transplant twelve into the garden.  Also sprinkled more seeds on top of the original pots that did not sprout.  See February 14 entry for full description.

Postscript#1 - Lettuce sprouts from Buttercrunch, Simpson Elite, Baby Romaine and Red Romaine with the Simpson Elite being the most robust (sowed March 10, 4 days).  One more sprout from Grecian Rose (sowed February 28, 14 days).
Postscript #2 - Arugula germinated (sowed March 11, 3 days, could have been 2 days).
Postscript #3 - Transplanted Impatiens Dwarf Pink Baby into own containers.
Postscript #3 - Transplanted fifteen pansies from 4"x8" container into 2" containers.  Will leave remaining pansies in original container to grow on.

Gave them a good watering and off they go!

Plant Count - March 10, 2015

FLOWERS 

1. Alyssum, Gold Dust  0
2. Black-Eyed Susan  45
3. Chinese Forget-Me-Nots  0
4. Coleus  25
5. Coreopsis, Early Sunrise  0
6. Coreopsis, Full Moon  0
7. Delphiniums  28
8. Dusty Miller  - seeds not viable
9. Echinacaea  22 
10. Foxglove  0
11. Geraniums  19
12. Grecian Rose  0
13. Gypsophilia  13
14. Hibiscus, Disco Belle   0
15. Hibiscus, White  9
16. Impatiens, Dark Pink  27
17. Impatiens, Flavours  0
18. Lavender  18 
19. Lobelia, Crystal Palace  >100
20. Lupines  12
21. Pansies  59
22. Petunia, Mixed Colors  >70
23. Petunia, Wave  3
24. Petunia, Flavours  1
25. Potentilla, Cinquefoil   >50
26. Salvia, Scarlet  10
27. Salvia, Blue Bedder  28
28. Snapdragons, Mixed  64
29. Snapdragons, Tetra Ruffled  13
30. Sweet William  32
31. Trumpet Vine  0
32. Verbena  29
33. Vinca  >80
34. Viola  20

HERBS

1. Chamomile  8
2. Oregano, Common  42
3. Oregano, Zaatar  23
4. Oregano, Greek  51
5. Parsley, Triple Curled Moss  40
6. Rosemary  16
7. Thyme, Common  0

VEGETABLES 

1. Artichokes, Green Globe  0
2. Asparagus  29
3. Celery  3
4. Leeks  44
5. Onions, Ailsa Craig  50
6. Onions, Copra  150
7. Onions, Red Amposta  90
8. Onions, Red Bull  40
9. Onoions, Red Wethersfield  45
10. Onions, Ringmaster  45
11. Onions, Rossi Di Milano  80
12. Onions, Sweet Spanish Yellow  50
13. Onions, Tokyo Long Bunching  50
14. Onions, Tropeana Lunga  60
15. Onions, Walla Walla  40
16. Potatoes, Gold  9
17. Potatoes, Red  9
18. Shallots  70
19. Sweet Potato Slips  4

Seeds Planted Today 

Alyssum, (Gold Dust, Aurinia saxatilis compacta): Seed swap, 2008. Sowed approximately 30 seeds in 4"x8" container 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 5-6 days. Days to maturity, N/A. Characteristics: perennial, low growing, yellow flowers, best grown in mass as groundcover, aka Basket of Gold, Madwort.
See: http://akirchner.hubpages.com/hub/The-Easiest-To-Grow-Perennial-In-the-World-Basket-of-Gold

Chinese Forget-Me-Nots (Firmament, Nomeolvides china firmament, Cynoglossum): Burpee, 2015. Sowed approximately 25 seeds each in two 3" containers 1/8" deep. Expected germination time: 7-14 days. Days to maturity, 45-50. Characteristics: annual, graceful, loose sprays of blue flowers on stiff, upright stems, blooms all summer, suitable for borders, full sun/part shade, 16" tall.
See: http://www.floretflowers.com/2014/01/flower-focus-chinese-forget-me-nots/

Thyme (Common): Ferry Morse, 2012. Sowed approximately 20 seeds in 3" container 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 8-20 days. Days to maturity, 70. Characteristics: perennial, 8"-12" tall, use fresh or dried, attracts bees, thin to 8" apart in garden.
See: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ferry-Morse-Common-Thyme-Seed-2028/100349860?N=5yc1vZc8qlZ5ry

Artichoke (Green Globe, Cynara scolymus): Dollarseed, 2013. Sowed three to four seeds each in five 3" pots. Expected germination time, 8-12 days. Days to maturity, 78 or 150-180. Characteristics: annual, practice vernalizaiton (two weeks of cool weather to simulate winter's chill), marginally hardy in zone 6, mulch through winter, full sun, harvest before bracts open, frequently feed and water, bristly leaves bring interest to flower garden, violet flower blooms in mid-fall.
See: http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scenec09b.html

Can't Forget Lettuce 

A salad spinner helps dry the freshly picked and washed lettuce leaves. 

Lettuce is a staple in our household.  I often use spinach, arugula, endive and kale as the secondary "greens" in our salads, but my preference is still a crisp romaine or ruffled loose leaf lettuce. It is always a delight to go out to the garden and pick an assortment of leaves in varying textures, colors and tastes.  This year I will direct sow seeds in the early spring and fall.  In addition, I prepare seedlings indoors to transplant into the hoophouse in early April:

Lettuce (Buttercrunch):  Livingston Seeds, 2014. Planted one 6-pack. Days to maturity, 50-60. Characteristics: sun, thin 4"-9", All-American Award winner, loose heads of thick, crisp leaves.  Resistant to heat.

Lettuce (Prizehead):  Livingston Seeds, 2014. Planted one 6-pack. Days to maturity, 45-50. Characteristics: partial shade/sun, thin 4", bronze-red outer leaves over frilled lime-green inner leaves.  Early maturity.

Lettuce (Simpson Elite):  Burpee, 2013 .Planted one 6-pack. Days to maturity, 48. Characteristis: thin 8", heat resistant, full sun, light green frilled and crumpled leaves, crisp, delicate flavor.

Lettuce (Baby Romaine):  Livingston Seeds, 2014. Planted one 6-pack. Days to maturity, 55-60. Characteristics: sun/partial shade, thin 12", 8" tall, caesar salad favorite, crisp, sweet flavor, upright growth, harvest outer leaves to prolong production.

Lettuce (Little Gem): Seed Swap, 2015. Planted one 6-pack. Days to maturity, 50.  Characteristics: very small, green, romaine-type, supposedly one of the very best-tasting lettuces, heat tolerant.
See: http://www.rareseeds.com/little-gem-lettuce/

Lettuce (Red Romaine):  Livingston Seeds, 2014. Planted one 6-pack. Days to maturity, 45-55. Characteristics: sun, thin 4", 8"-12" tall, oblong, burgundy leaves, crunchy midribs, colorful gourmet variety, color may vary from deep green to deep red, innermost leaves lighter green and most tender, color deepens in cooler weather.

Postscript #1 - There was germination in the following containers: potentilla (sown March  4,  6 days) and petunias flavours (sown March 2, 8 days).  

Postscript #2 - I am declaring the six year old Dusty Miller seeds not viable.